What is Seductive Teaching/Leading?

A Summary of My Favorite Ideas in Deciding to Lead: The English Teacher as Reformer by Denny Wolfe and Joseph Antinarella, Heinemann, 1997

The Call to Action “It is an age that requires the ability to bob and

weave, not just stand pat.” “Clearly, schools have to catch up.” “While the most thoughtful reform ideas of the past

have filled the literature on teaching and learning, they most certainly have not filled the schools.”

“It’s time to come together, and it’s time for teachers to seize control of the direction for school change.”

“If we want our schools fixed, we’re going to have to fix them.”

“People in our time must be aroused and led to find the courage, the energy, the time, the wisdom, and the will to make schools right, really right.”

What seductive does not mean in an educational context

It does NOT suggest the sinister or the suspicious/to lead astray or corrupt—i.e. “the seductive con-man”

It does NOT mean “to persuade or induce to have sexual intercourse”

It does NOT mean “to draw away from principles, faith, or allegiance”

What it does mean

To win over; attract From Latin ducere—to lead “Seductive teachers are able to win

over, attract, and lead their students and colleagues.”

We Seduce on Two Levels “Seductive teachers ‘sell’ students on the

learning opportunities that school provides. They win over students and attract them to seeing their classrooms as safe havens that can nurture their growth.”

“Seductive teachers can win over their colleagues to a similar vision; that is, teachers and administrators working cooperatively in environments that nurture their growth, as well.”

In Short

Teachers decide/ choose to lead. Seductive teachers help their students and their colleagues “to think hard.”They expect a lot; they get a lot.They create “healthy learning tension.”

What can we teachers do? How do we lead? Don’t coerce. When asked, help. Relate to colleagues as you relate to

students. Suggest agenda items for faculty

gatherings. Resist reform strategies you don’t

believe in. Conduct classroom-based research

and share it. Join a National Writing Project site.

What else? Don’t say “no” to leadership opportunities. Promote cross-visitations in teachers’

classrooms. Get to know influential people who can help. Communicate regularly with parents. Promote/organize teacher-led seminars. Invite nonteaching staff to participate in

classrooms. Build a reputation as the best listener in your

school. Work visibly.

My Final Thought

“Nothing short of massive increases in the number of seductive teachers in schools will make school reform successful.”